DL-Tartaric Acid CAS 133-37-9

1. Physical and Chemical Properties

DL-Tartaric Acid is a racemic mixture of L- and D-tartaric acid. Visually, it appears as a white, crystalline powder. It is odorless but carries a sharp, refreshing sour taste.

Technical Note: A key distinction is solubility. DL-Tartaric Acid is slightly less soluble in water than its L-isomer counterpart, a trait that can be advantageous in controlled-release applications.

2. Primary Applications: Beyond the Sour Taste

While famous for its sourness, the utility of CAS 133-37-9 spans across totally different industries.

A. Food & Beverage (The Acidulant)

It serves as a potent acidifier and preservative. Because it is synthetic, it is often preferred in manufacturing where cost control is critical but the flavor profile needs to remain sharp.

• Confectionery: Used in hard candies and gummies to balance sweetness.
• Soft Drinks: Provides a “clean” sour note.
• Baking Powder: Acts as the acidic component that reacts with baking soda to release $C{O}_2$CO2​.

B. Construction Industry (Gypsum & Cement Retarder)

This is the hidden giant of the DL-Tartaric market. It is widely used as a retarder in gypsum plaster and cement.

• It slows down the setting time of plaster, giving construction workers more time to apply and smooth the material before it hardens.
• It is preferred over citric acid in some formulations because it affects the strength of the final gypsum product less significantly.

C. Industrial Manufacturing

• Mirror Industry: Used as a reducing agent in the silvering process of mirrors.
• Metal Treatment: Acts as a chelating agent to clean and polish metal surfaces (complexing with metal ions).
• Textiles: Used in printing and dyeing processes to control pH and enhance color fastness.

3. DL-Tartaric vs. L-Tartaric: Which One Do You Need?

This is the most common question we receive.

• Choose L-Tartaric Acid if you are making premium wines or pharmaceuticals that require specific optical rotation and natural origin labeling.
• Choose DL-Tartaric Acid if you need a cost-effective acidifier for food, or a technical-grade retarder for construction. Since DL is synthetic, supply is stable year-round and not dependent on grape harvests.

4. Safety Precautions

Although DL-Tartaric Acid is a food-grade additive (E334), handling it in bulk industrial powder form requires safety protocols:

• Eye Protection: The powder is acidic and can cause severe eye irritation. Safety goggles are mandatory during handling.
• Dust Control: Inhalation of fine dust can irritate the respiratory tract. Ensure the warehouse is well-ventilated and workers wear N95 dust masks when pouring bags.
• Skin Contact: Prolonged contact may cause irritation. Wear standard protective gloves and long sleeves.

For related tartaric-acid materials and salts, see L-Tartrate and Potassium Sodium Tartrate.

5. Storage Conditions

To prevent caking and maintain flowability, proper storage is essential:

• Humidity is the Enemy: Although DL-Tartaric Acid is generally anhydrous, high humidity can cause the powder to clump. Store in a cool, dry area with relative humidity below 60%.
• Packaging: It is typically shipped in 25kg Kraft paper bags with an inner PE liner. Ensure the liner is tightly sealed after opening.
• Separation: Store away from strong oxidizing agents and alkalis to prevent unwanted chemical reactions.

Conclusion: Stability in Sourcing

DL-Tartaric Acid (CAS 133-37-9) represents the intersection of chemical efficiency and industrial necessity. Whether you are formulating a gypsum retarder that needs to perform consistently or a beverage that requires a sharp flavor profile at a competitive price, this ingredient is the solution.

By sourcing from established Chinese manufacturers who have mastered the maleic anhydride synthesis route, you ensure a supply chain that is both economical and reliable.

Ready to secure your supply? [Contact us today] for a quote. We offer various mesh sizes (powder to granule) to suit your specific dissolution requirements.